Lois Anderson ’54 still remembers how the Coker community supported her when she needed it most.

“Coker was truly my family,” she says.

Lois arrived on campus during a difficult season of life. Her father had passed away while she was still in high school, and during her college years, she also lost her mother.

During that time, her professors and the campus community made sure she had the support she needed to continue her education. When her mother became ill, faculty members ensured Lois could travel home to be with her without falling behind in her coursework.

That care stayed with her.

Lois often reflects on the meaning of the phrase alma mater, the Latin term for “nourishing mother.” For her, the meaning feels personal. During a time when she needed encouragement and stability, Coker became a place that supported and carried her forward.

Her time on campus also changed how she saw herself. Lois says Coker gave her confidence and a sense of accomplishment. It helped her realize she was capable of achieving far more than she once believed.

Looking back, she often points to three decisions that shaped her life: accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, marrying her husband Charles, and choosing to attend Coker.

“Because I love Coker. I’m grateful to Coker. Coker changed my life,” she says.

Her connection to the university continued long after graduation. Over the years, Lois has remained closely involved with Coker through alumni leadership and service. Her daughter, Electa Small ’85, followed in her footsteps as a Coker graduate and has also served the university through alumni and trustee leadership roles.

Together, Lois and Electa have chosen to include Coker in their estate plans through a planned gift. For Lois, the decision was simple.

Including Coker in her estate plans allows her to give back to the institution that played such an important role in her life. While she has adjusted some of the gift's details over the years, her commitment to supporting Coker has remained the same. She hopes the university will continue to serve students for generations to come.

When asked what she would say to alumni or friends who have never considered planned giving, Lois offers a simple perspective.

“If you feel a sense of connection and togetherness with Coker, you should consider doing it.”

Considering Your Legacy

Planned giving offers alumni and friends a way to support Coker University through long-term financial and estate planning. Many individuals choose to include Coker in their plans to invest in future generations of students and strengthen the university community.

Those considering including Coker in their estate plans, or who have already done so, are encouraged to contact the Office of Advancement to learn more about available options and how a planned gift can create a lasting impact.

Katie Smith
Major Gifts Officer
843-383-8393
ksmith2@coker.edu